Rumors that the XFL might come back

[maineman209]

Or the Benny Hill Theme (Yakety-Sax):

 

[maineman209]

LOL! Haven't the WWE's TV ratings gone from like 10 million in the late 90s to like 2 million today? You think the solution is a league run by a guy who is more out of touch than Goodell?

The only way that an alternative/secondary football league is financially viable is if it can acquire and retain national advertising sponsors. The chances of that happening independent of the NFL are very low, and the chances pretty much vanish with McMahon running the show. I don't see how it even gets off the ground.

I would, however, like to see a "minor league" developed and backed by the NFL. As @convertedpatsfan suggested, perhaps running from mid-February through mid-April (six to eight weeks).

Maybe six teams, perhaps all located in the Southeast to reduce travel expenses. No playoffs. More like baseball Spring Training than a real "league". Keep it real simple and real inexpensive. Broadcast on the NFL Network to make it easier to rope in a few existing national sponsors, but maybe sell some rights to ESPN or Fox (and overseas broadcasters) for "co-broadcasts". The CFL might even cooperate in it.

Same playing rules as the NFL game, but (obviously) a lot more roster flexibility and pre-set salaries for all players, regardless of position or experience - probably PS level or a bit less.

 

[Simpelton]

The only way that an alternative/secondary football league is financially viable is if it can acquire and retain national advertising sponsors. The chances of that happening independent of the NFL are very low, and the chances pretty much vanish with McMahon running the show. I don't see how it even gets off the ground.

I would, however, like to see a "minor league" developed and backed by the NFL. As @convertedpatsfan suggested, perhaps running from mid-February through mid-April (six to eight weeks).

Maybe six teams, perhaps all located in the Southeast to reduce travel expenses. No playoffs. More like baseball Spring Training than a real "league". Keep it real simple and real inexpensive. Broadcast on the NFL Network to make it easier to rope in a few existing national sponsors, but maybe sell some rights to ESPN or Fox (and overseas broadcasters) for "co-broadcasts". The CFL might even cooperate in it.

Same playing rules as the NFL game, but (obviously) a lot more roster flexibility and pre-set salaries for all players, regardless of position or experience - probably PS level or a bit less.

Sounds like a better comparison would br the Arizona Fall League in pro baseball.

And yes that could be fun and useful but the nature of the game also makes it risky. It is so much easier to get hurt in football that gating access to the NFL behind a season or two of development Time adds a degree of career risk to pro ballplayers that needs to be considered and compensated for.

 

[convertedpatsfan]

Sounds like a better comparison would br the Arizona Fall League in pro baseball.

And yes that could be fun and useful but the nature of the game also makes it risky. It is so much easier to get hurt in football that gating access to the NFL behind a season or two of development Time adds a degree of career risk to pro ballplayers that needs to be considered and compensated for.

There is absolutely going to be risk associated with it. But the types of players that end up there are ones that aren't key players right now anyways. Most are out of the league, or sitting on the bench.

Doing it early in the year gives players (and their bodies) time to recover for training camp too if they impress enough to get signed.

One other option might be to do it during the season, say Wednesday nights starting in December or something. As @maineman209 suggested, throwing it on NFL Network would be a great way to help with advertisers and give another night of football. It would give teams that suck a bit of hope.

If you're a Texans fan or Browns fan, wouldn't you tune in Wednesday nights to see some of your young kids play? That's gotta be more fun than watching your league team get destroyed on Sundays.

 

[Simpelton]

There is absolutely going to be risk associated with it. But the types of players that end up there are ones that aren't key players right now anyways. Most are out of the league, or sitting on the bench.

Doing it early in the year gives players (and their bodies) time to recover for training camp too if they impress enough to get signed.

One other option might be to do it during the season, say Wednesday nights starting in December or something. As @maineman209 suggested, throwing it on NFL Network would be a great way to help with advertisers and give another night of football. It would give teams that suck a bit of hope.

If you're a Texans fan or Browns fan, wouldn't you tune in Wednesday nights to see some of your young kids play? That's gotta be more fun than watching your league team get destroyed on Sundays.

If they put it on days with no other football I'd definitely watch

 

[lurker1965]

I had to look it up. John Walton. I never would have come up with it on my own.

Thanks

 

[cupofjoe1962]

Bring back the USFL! (I saw the Breakers play as a kid.)

I enjoyed the USFL

Marcus Dupree 30 for 30 was awesome.